Portable above-grade berm apparatus

ABSTRACT

Berm apparatus comprised of a plurality of berm members having a cross sectional configuration to limit the release of a substance into the environment. The berm members may include a footing member extending laterally from a first side of an upright member adjacent to a bottom end of the upright member. The berm members may also include a containment surface projecting from a second side of the upright member adjacent to a top end of the upright member. The containment structure may also project from adjacent the top end portion to a grade upon which the berm member rests. In this regard, the berm members may contribute to the structural integrity of the berm members, reducing the tendency of the berm member to slide or tip.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/610,050 filed on Mar. 13, 2012 and entitled “PORTABLE ABOVE-GRADE BERM APPARATUS,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to berm apparatuses that facilitate the containment of a substance and thereby substantially limit any undesired release of the substance into the environment (e.g., into the ground), and in particular to portable, above-grade berm apparatuses that are modular to facilitate efficient deployment and construction of the berm apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

Many industries have the need to control or contain substances. Many industries may employ substances that, if released into the environment, may become undesirable. Such industries may include, for example, mining, oil field services (e.g., including hydraulic fracturing, etc.), chemical processing, etc. In this regard, such substances are typically handled so as to limit the release of the substances into the environment. Reduction in the release of substances into the ground is particularly relevant to industries that include processes or facilities that are, for the most part, outdoors. Thus, particular care may be exercised to limit such substances from being released into the environment.

Primary containment structures are often provided to store substances. It may be desirable to provide spill containment or secondary containment structures to further limit the release of substances into the environment. While spill containment and secondary containment structures have been proposed, these proposed structures suffer from some disadvantages. For example, many prior containment structures are difficult to deploy and tedious to construct, which may require specialized tools to complete. This may lead to an increase in labor costs associated with the construction of such prior containment structures. Furthermore, many prior containment structures are not designed for repeated deployment and undeployment cycles. In this regard, repeated deployment and undeployment of prior containment structures may lead to the degradation of the structure and in turn failure, especially in the often harsh environments into which such containment structures may be deployed.

Further still, such prior containment structures may not have sufficient inherent structural rigidity to contain a substance or withstand an impact (e.g., associated with a substance impinging on the structure after a catastrophic failure of a primary containment structure or large release of the substance). Rather, many prior solutions rely on complicated secondary bracing or reinforcement that both add to the cost of the structure as well as adding complexity of the construction of the structures. Furthermore, this secondary bracing or reinforcement may be subject to degradation in the often harsh environments into which such containment structures are deployed.

SUMMARY

In light of the foregoing, berm apparatuses are presented herein that address one or more of the drawbacks noted above and provide other advantages, as will become apparent in the following description. For example, the berm apparatuses presented herein may be efficiently and cost effectively constructed and deployed. For example, the berm apparatus presented herein may be sufficiently robust to undergo a number of different deployment cycles wherein the berm apparatus are constructed and deconstructed repeatedly. The berm apparatuses presented herein may be conveniently deconstructed for transport from one location to another. Furthermore, the berm apparatuses disclosed herein may be of a generally modular nature such that a variety of different berm apparatuses may be realized using common building blocks of preconfigured berm members. Additionally, connection members of berm apparatuses presented herein may be simple in construction, facilitating an increase in reliability and an increase in structural integrity of the berm apparatus.

Accordingly, a first aspect presented herein includes a portable, above-grade berm apparatus that includes a first berm member positionable on a grade. The first berm member includes an upright member comprising a bottom end portion and a top end portion and a first side and a second side. The bottom end portion is nearer the grade than the top end portion and the first side is on an opposite side of the upright member as the second side. The berm member also includes a footing member fixedly connected to and extending laterally from the first side of the upright member adjacent to the bottom end portion and a containment member fixedly connected to and projecting laterally from the second side of the upright member adjacent the top end portion, and the containment member projecting from adjacent to the top end portion to the grade.

A number of feature refinements and additional features are applicable to the first aspect. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination. As such, each of the following features that will be discussed may be, but are not required to be, used with any other feature or combination of features of the first aspect.

In an embodiment, the berm apparatus may include a bracing member that is secured to at least a portion of two of the upright member, the footing member, or the containment member. As such, the bracing member may resist deformation or flexing of a frame of the berm member. In this regard, the berm member may resist relatively large forces acting thereon and may resist forces acting to deform, tip, or slide the berm member.

The first terminal portion may include a first connection member and the second terminal portion comprises a second connection member. The first berm member may include a first interlock feature offset from the first connection member and the second connection member along the upright member. The first interlock feature may be a slidable member comprising a handle, and the handle may extend from a lateral portion of a top rail of the berm member. In this regard, the handle may not interfere with a liner disposed relative to the berm member.

In an embodiment, the first connection member may extend for a distance less than the extent of the second connection member. For example, the first connection member may extend for a distance from between about 75% to about 90% of the extent of the second connection member. As such, there may be positional tolerance in the first and second connection member to facilitated easy interconnecting thereof.

In an embodiment, the first berm member may extend a distance in a first dimension between a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion. The containment member may include a containment surface extending in the first dimension. The containment surface may extend in the first dimension with respect to substantially all of the first connection member. The second connection member may extend in the first dimension beyond the containment surface. In an embodiment, the containment surface may be rigid.

In an embodiment, the first connection member may include one of a male member or a female member, and the second connection member may include the other of the male member or the female member. One of the male member and the female member may be an up-clip and the other of the male member and the female member may be a down-clip. Accordingly, the berm apparatus may include a second berm member that includes a third connection member corresponding to one of the first connection member or the second connection member. As such, the third connection member may be engageable with the corresponding one of the first connection member or the second connection member.

In an embodiment, the engagement of the third connection member and the corresponding one of the first connection member or the second connection member may limit relative movement between the first berm member and the second berm member in the first dimension. At least a portion of the corresponding one of the first connection member or the second connection member may extend along at least a portion of the footing member. The second berm member may include a corresponding second interlock feature. In this regard, the first interlock feature and the second interlock feature may be engageable to limit relative movement of the first berm member and the second berm member in a second dimension. For example, the second interlock feature may include a pocket for receiving the slidable member.

In an embodiment, the second berm member may be one of another berm member having a cross sectional configuration of the first berm member or a corner berm member. In this regard, the corner berm member may also positionable with respect to the grade and may include a first upright member fixedly connected to a second upright member to define a first upright section extending therebetween. The first upright section may have a first bottom end portion and a first top end portion. The corner member may also include a third upright member that may be fixedly connected to the first upright member to define a second upright section extending therebetween. The second upright section may have a second bottom end portion and a second top end portion. As such, the first upright section and the second upright section of the corner member may in different directions.

Accordingly, the corner berm member may include a first corner footing member fixedly connected to and extending laterally from the first upright section adjacent to the first bottom end portion. Furthermore, the corner berm member may include a second corner footing member fixedly connected to and extending laterally from the second upright section adjacent to the second bottom end portion. In this regard, the first corner footing member and the second corner footing member may in different directions.

The corner berm member may also include a first corner containment member fixedly connected to and projecting laterally from the first upright section adjacent the first top end portion. The first corner containment member may project from adjacent the first top end portion to the grade. Additionally, the corner berm member may include a second corner containment member that may be fixedly connected to and projecting laterally from the second upright section adjacent the second top end portion. The second corner containment member may project from adjacent the second tope end portion to the grade. The first corner containment member may project laterally away from the first upright section a different direction than the second corner containment member that project laterally away from the second upright section.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the third connection member may be disposed along at least a portion of one of the first corner footing member and the second corner footing member. At least a fourth connection member may be disposed along at least a portion of the other of the first corner footing member and the second corner footing member. In this regard, the fourth connection member being comprises a complimentary configuration to the third connection member with respect to a male member or a female member.

In an embodiment, the berm apparatus may comprise a plurality of berm members having a cross sectional configuration of the first berm member and a plurality of corner berm members. Accordingly, the plurality of first berm members and the plurality of corner berm members may be connected to define a containment region about which the berm apparatus extends. In this regard, all the footing members and all the corner footing members of the berm members may extend away from the containment region. Moreover, the footing members and corner footing members may collectively extend about the entire perimeter of the containment region.

A second aspect includes a method for deploying a berm apparatus comprising a plurality of berm members. The method includes positioning a first berm member on a grade at a site and disposing a second berm member relative to the first berm member. A first connection member of the first berm member may engage a second connection member of the second berm member to restrain relative movement between the first berm member and the second berm member in a first dimension. The method also includes aligning, in response to the disposing, a first interlock feature of the first berm member with respect to a second interlock feature of the second berm member, wherein the first interlock feature and the second interlock feature are offset from the first connection member and the second connection member. Further still, the method may include engaging the first interlock feature and the second interlock feature to restrain relative movement relative to the first berm member and the second berm member in a second dimension different than the first dimension.

A number of feature refinements and additional features are applicable to the second aspect. These feature refinements and additional features may be used individually or in any combination. As such, each of the following features that will be discussed may be, but are not required to be, used with any other feature or combination of features of the second aspect.

In an embodiment, the first connection member may include a male connection member coordinately received by a female connection member comprising the second connection member. As such, the first connection member may be a flange member and the second connection member may be a slot adapted to receive the flange member.

In an embodiment, the engaging may include slideably engaging the first interlock feature with the second interlock feature. Accordingly, the first interlock feature may be a slidable member and the second interlock feature may be a pocket for acceptably receiving the slidable member in response to the sliding.

In an embodiment, the disposing comprises establishing a substantially continuous containment surface extending substantially an entire length of the first berm member and the second berm member. That is, a first containment surface of the first berm member and a second containment surface of the second berm member may be abutted upon the disposing to define a continuous containment surface along the length of both berm members.

In an embodiment, the method may include receiving a force acting on a containment surface of the first berm member and transferring at least a portion of the force to the second berm member via the engagement of the first and second connection member and the engagement of the first and second interlock feature. That is, the interconnection of the first and second may assist in resisting a force acting upon either one of the berm members. As such, the berm members may be operable to resist sliding, tipping, or deformation. The ability of the berm members to resist a force acting thereon may be heightened by way of the interconnection of coordinating berm members by transferring forces therebetween.

In an embodiment, the positioning and disposing may at least partially define a containment region. In an embodiment, the position and disposing may be repeated relative to a plurality of berm members to form an enclosed berm apparatus defining a containment region. As such, the method may include deploying a liner into the containment region. Furthermore, the method may include securing the liner to at least one of the first berm member or the second berm member. The securing comprises clamping the liner to at least one of the first berm member or the second berm member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a berm apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a berm member.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the berm member according to FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a detail cross sectional view of mated connection members of a pair of berm members.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of another berm member.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the embodiment of a berm member of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment of the berm member of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a first and second berm member in a connected state.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a clip that may be used in conjunction with an embodiment of a berm member.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a clamping plate that may be used in conjunction with the clip of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the clip of FIG. 9 clampingly engaged with a berm member.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart corresponding to an embodiment of a method for deploying and constructing a berm apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commiserate with the following teachings, skill, and other knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein are further intended to explain modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments, and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the invention.

The present disclosure generally relates to berm apparatuses that may be used, for example, as spill containment or secondary containment structures that may substantially limit the release of substances into the environment (e.g., limit the release of substances into the ground). The berm apparatuses described herein may be used to contain and limit the dispersion of substances used, for example, in mining operations, oil field services (e.g., hydraulic fracturing, etc.), chemical processing, or other contexts. In another embodiment, berm apparatuses as described herein may be used to construct retention ponds or other primary containment structures that may hold substances while substantially limiting the introduction of such substances into the environment.

For instance, with reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a berm apparatus 100 is shown. The berm apparatus 100 may define a containment region 102 about which the berm apparatus 100 extends. The berm apparatus 100 may be constructed from a plurality of berm members (e.g., berm members 150 and berm members 200) in a manner that will be discussed in more detail below. The berm member 150 is shown in isolation in FIG. 2, and the berm member 200 is shown in isolation in FIG. 7.

With further reference to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the berm member 150 is depicted. The berm member 152 may include a frame 154. The frame 154 of the berm member 150 may include one or more footing members 166 and one or more upright members 158. The footing member 166 may supportably engage upright members 158. The footing member 166 may provide a supportive base that rests upon a grade 104. The frame 154 may also rigidly support a containment surface 156 that may be rigidly affixed to the frame 154. The upright members 158 may generally be perpendicular to the footing members 166 such that the upright members 158 may extend away from the grade 104 on which the berm member 150 is disposed.

The upright member 158 may include a bottom end portion 160 and a top end portion 162 at opposite ends of the upright member 158. With further reference to FIG. 3, the upright member 158 may have a first side 168 and a second side 170 on opposite sides of the upright member 158. The upright member 158 may be rigidly affixed to the footing member 166 adjacent to the bottom end portion 160 of the upright member 158. The footing member 166 may extend laterally from the first side 168 of the upright member 158. Furthermore, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the footing member 166 may also extend laterally from the second side 170 of the upright member 158. In this regard, the footing member 166 and the upright member 158 may define a generally inverted “T” shaped structure. It will be appreciated that the inverted “T” shaped structure may be advantage to limit the tipping of a berm member 150 upon a force 190 acting on the containment surface 156 (e.g., resulting from a force of a substance at rest within the containment region 102 or the force of a substance coming into contact with the containment structure 156). That is, the force 190 acting upon the containment surface 156 may tend to cause the berm member 150 to slide or tip away from the containment region 102. By virtue of the footing member 166 extending laterally from the upright member 158 in a direction away from the containment region 102, the footing member 166 may counteract the force 190 acting on the containment surface 156 and resist tipping or sliding of the berm member 150.

In one embodiment, the footing member 166 may extend from the first side 168 of the upright member 158 a distance that is at least about 50% of the height of the upright member 158. In another embodiment, the footing member 166 may extend from the first side 168 of the upright member 158 a distance that is at least about 75% of the height of the upright member 158. In another embodiment, the footing member 166 may extend for at least about 90% of the height of the upright member 158. In another embodiment, the footing member 166 may extend for at least the same distance as the height of the upright member 158 or may extend for a distance greater than the height of the upright member 158. For example, in another embodiment the total length of the footing member 166 (i.e., including the portions thereof extending from both sides of the upright member 158) may be at least 1.25 times the length of the upright member 158. In another embodiment, the total length of the footing member 166 may be at least about 1.5 times the length of the upright member 158.

As shown in FIG. 2, a number of upright members 158 may be provided along a length 152 of the berm member 150. While two upright members 158 are shown in FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that a different number of upright members 158 may be provided (e.g., three, four, or more). Additionally, the number of upright members 158 provided may be at least partially dependent upon the length 152 of the berm member 150. For example, the longer the berm member 150, the more upright members 158 may be provided. In this regard, an upright member 158 may be provided for a given length 152 of berm member (e.g., one upright member 158 for every three feet of berm length 152, one upright member 158 for every five feet of berm length 152, one upright member 158 for every ten feet of berm length 152, etc.). The frame 154 may also include a top member 164 extending between the top end portions 162 of the upright members 158. Longitudinal support braces 174 may be rigidly affixed to and extend between the footing members 166. Lateral support braces 172 may be provided that extend between the longitudinally support braces 174.

The portion of the footing member 166 extending from the first side 168 of the upright member 158 (i.e., the portion of the footing member 166 extending from the upright member 158 in a direction away from the containment region 102) may include a grating 176 (e.g., an open-cell grating material). The grating 176 may provide additional contact area between the footing member 166 and the grade 104 to further assist in counteracting a tipping or sliding motion of the berm member 150 in response to the force 190. The grating 176 may provide a walkway on which workers may tread that includes anti-slip features to contribute to the safety of workers treading on the grating 176.

As stated above, the containment surface 156 may be rigidly affixed to and supportably engaged by the frame 154. In this regard, the containment surface 156 may be provided at an angle a with respect to the upright member 158 as can best be appreciated in FIG. 3. The containment surface 156 may be fixedly connected to the frame 154 so that the containment surface 156 may project laterally away from the second side 170 of the upright member 158. Furthermore, the containment surface 156 may project from the top end portion 162 of the upright member 158 toward the grade 104. For example, the containment surface 156 may be rigidly affixed to the footing member 166 or the longitudinally extending brace 174.

Furthermore, diagonal bracing 178 may be provided between the containment surface 156 and the frame 154 to further reinforce the containment surface 156.

As may be appreciated in FIG. 2, the diagonal bracing 178 may be provided on each end of the berm member 150. Additionally, the diagonal bracing 178 may be provided at each upright member 158. In one embodiment, the diagonal bracing 178 may be secured to the footing member 166, upright member 158, and containment surface 156. For example, the diagonal bracing 178 may be welded (e.g., spot welded or continuously welded) at the interface of the diagonal bracing 178 and the footing member 166, upright member 158, and/or the containment surface 156. In this regard, the diagonal bracing 178 may limit the containment surface 156 from flexing (e.g., upon application of a load thereto). In one embodiment, the diagonal bracing 178 may extend along at least a majority of the length of the containment surface 156, footing member 166 extending laterally from the second direction 170, and/or upright member 158. The diagonal bracing 178 may include a plate member. In another embodiment, the diagonal bracing 178 may extend along the length 152 of the berm member 150.

Based on the inclined orientation of the containment structure 156 with respect to the containment region 102, a substance coming into contacting the containment surface 156 laterally in a direction from the containment region 102 may be directed by the incline of the containment surface 156 back toward the containment region 102. For example, a fluid impinging on the containment surface 156 may begin to flow up the containment surface 156 toward the top end portions 160 of the upright members 158. The containment structure 158 may extend sufficiently along the height of the upright members 158 to reduce the impinging fluid from over-topping the containment surface 156. In this regard, the height of the containment surface 156 may be at least partially based on the particular application in which the berm member 150 is used to reduce the over-topping of the containment surface 156. Additionally, as a liquid begins to advance up the containment surface 156, the fluid's own weight may begin to counteract the flow up the containment surface 156.

In one embodiment, the angle a between the containment surface 156 and the upright member 150 may be approximately 30 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle a between the containment surface 156 and the upright member 150 may be approximately 35 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle a between the containment surface 156 and the upright member 158 may be between about 25 degrees and about 60 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle a between the containment surface 156 and the upright member 158 may be between about 20 degrees and about 75 degrees. More preferably, the angle a between the containment surface 156 and the upright member may be between about 30 and 45 degrees.

The containment surface 156 may act to partially deflect the force 190 of a fluid contacting the containment structure 156. For example, the force 190 of fluid coming into contact with the containment surface 156 may act normal to the containment surface 156. As a result of the inclined orientation of the containment surface 156, the force 190 may be divided into force vectors 192 and 194. Vertical force vector 192 may act normal to the grade 104, tending to drive the berm member 150 into the grade 104. This may contribute to the ability of the berm member 150 to resist sliding along the grade 104 as the increased force acting normal to the grade 104 may correspondingly increase a friction force resisting sliding movement of the berm member 150 with respect to the grade 104. Horizontal force vector 194 may act parallel to the grade 104 and be directed outwardly from the containment region 102. It will be noted that the horizontal force vector 194 acting parallel to the grade 104 comprises only the horizontal component of the total force 190 and may be less than the total magnitude of the force 190. That is, because a portion of the force 190 (i.e., vertical force vector 192) acting on the containment structure 156 is directed normal to the grade 104, the force vector 194 acting parallel to the grade is reduced from the total force 190. In contrast, for example, a vertically oriented containment surface would experience the total magnitude of the force 190 in a direction parallel to the grade 104, thus increasing the likelihood that a vertically oriented containment surface would slide or tip relative to the grade 104.

In short, the berm member 150 may be adapted to resist a force 190 tending to slide and/or induce a tipping moment with respect to the berm member 150 because, at a minimum, the inclined orientation of the containment surface 156 deflects a portion of the force 190 and the footing member 166 may resist any tipping of the berm member 150 due to the laterally extending orientation of the footing member 166 with respect to the upright member 158 that may counteract any tipping moment resulting from the force 190. As such, moving or tipping of the berm member 150 may be reduced even in the case of a large force 190 acting upon a containment structure 156 (e.g., as may occur in the case of a catastrophic tank failure within the containment region 102).

The berm member 150, as can be appreciated in FIG. 2, may be a straight berm member. However, other berm member configurations (e.g., corner berm members 200 described below, curved berm members, etc.) may be provided without limitation. In any regard, the berm member 150 may have a length 152 in a first dimension. Various lengths 152 of berm members may be provided that are generally of the cross sectional configuration of the berm member 150 shown in FIG. 2 (i.e., having the vertically extending upright member 158, the footing member 166 extending laterally in the first direction 168 from the upright member 158, and the containment surface 156 extending laterally in the second direction 170 opposite the first direction 168). In one embodiment, the berm member 150 may have a length that may be no less than about 5 feet and no greater than about 30 feet. In another embodiment, berm members 150 may be provided, for example, that are about 10 feet, about 20 feet, about 25 feet, about 40 feet, or even about 50 feet in length. In this regard, while the length 152 of the berm member 150 may vary, the cross sectional configuration of the footing members 166, upright members 158, and containment structure 156 may remain as described above.

As shown in FIG. 1, a number of berm members 150, 200 may be connected to define the berm apparatus 100. While in FIG. 1, berm members 150 are connected to corner berm members 200, it will be appreciated that any two berm members may be connected (e.g., two berm members 150 and 150′ as shown in FIG. 8). In any regard, the berm members 150, 200 may have connection features that allow for connection of more than one berm member.

One such embodiment of connection features to connect berm members is shown in FIG. 4. The connection features described with respect to FIG. 4 may generally characterize all such connections between adjacent berm members. In FIG. 4, a first berm member 150 may include a first connection member 252 and a second berm member 150′ may include a corresponding second connection member 282. As depicted in FIG. 4, the first connection member 252 may comprise a male connection member. The male connection member may include a downwardly extending connection flange 256. The connection flange 256 may extend along at least a portion of the footing member 166 at a terminal portion 260 of the first berm member 250. The flange 256 may be referred to as a down-clip by virtue of the downwardly extending nature of the flange 256. The second berm member 150′ may have a second connection member 282.

The second connection member 282 may correspond to the first connection member 252. For example, the second connection member 282 may comprise a female connection member. The female connection member may be provided on a terminal end portion 262 of the second berm member 150′. The female connection member may include an upwardly facing slot 286 defined by sidewalls 290 and end plates 292. The slot 286 may be sized to receive the flange 256 of the first connection member 252. The slot 286 may be referred to as an up-clip in regard to the upwardly facing nature thereof. In this regard, the flange 256 of the down-clip may be received by the slot 286 of the up-clip such that a force acting to separate the first berm member 150 and the second berm member 150′ in the direction of the arrows 288 in FIG. 6 may be resisted by the mated relation of the flange 256 and slot 286. Furthermore, as the flange 256 may contact the end plates 290 of the slot 286, the mated engagement of the first and second connection members 252 and 282 may resist relative movement of connected berm members in a direction perpendicular to the first dimension.

In one embodiment, the male member of the first connection member 252 may have a width 254. Correspondingly, the female member of the second connection member 284 may have a width 284. The width 254 of the male member may be less than the width 284 of the female member. In this regard, the male member of the first connection member 252 may be received within the female member of the second connection member 282 as described above. Furthermore as the width 254 of the male member is less than the width 284 of the female member, there may be a dimensional tolerance for some movement between the first connection member 252 and the second connection member 282 in the width direction (i.e., corresponding to width 254 and 284). This may assist in positioning the first connection member 252 with respect to the second connection member 282. That is, a certain positional variance may be provided that allows for engagement of the first and second connection members 252 and 282 in a range of positions defined by the relative widths of the male and female member.

In one embodiment, the width 254 of the male member may be at least about 10% smaller than the width 284 of the female member. In another embodiment, the width 254 of the male member may be at least about 15%, 20%, or even 25% smaller than the width 284 of the female member. In one embodiment, the width 254 of the male member and/or the width 284 of the female member may be provided along the length of the first connection member 252 and second connection member 282.

As can be appreciated in FIG. 2, respective ones of the connection members 252 and 282 may be provided adjacent to corresponding footing members 166 of the berm member 150. In one embodiment, the respective connection members 252 or 282 may extend along at least a portion of the length of a footing member 166. For example, in one embodiment, respective connection members 252 or 282 may extend along at least a majority of the length of corresponding footing members 166. In another embodiment, respective connection members 252 or 282 may extend along substantially all of the length of corresponding footing members 166.

In one embodiment, the first connection member 252 may extend for a portion of the distance the corresponding second connection member 282 extends. Accordingly, in the case where the first connection member 252 comprises a male member and the second connection member 282 comprises a female member, the male member may extend for only a portion of the length the female member extends. For example, the male member may extend for only about 75% of the length the female member extends. In another embodiment, the male member may extend from about 80% to about 90% of the length the female member extends. In this regard, there may be a relatively large tolerance for positioning of the male member with respect to the female member. This may be particularly advantageous when connecting the berm members as the available positional variance provided by the tolerance provided between the male and female member may make it easier to position the berm members.

In this regard, it may be that the connection of berm members 150 by coordinating connection members 252 and 282 may help reduce the tipping of the berm members 150. That is, for example, with reference to FIG. 8, the weight of the first berm member 150 may urge the flange 256 of the first connection member 252 into the slot 286 of the second connection member 282. Furthermore, the weight of the first berm member 150 may act downwardly to maintain the flange 256 in the engaged position within the slot 286. That is, at least a portion of the weight of the first berm member 150 may act upon the second connection member 282 of the second berm member 150′. Accordingly, should the second berm member 150′ begin to undergo a tipping motion, the weight of the first berm member 150 acting through the first connection member 252 may act on the second berm member 150′ to reduce the tipping of the second berm member 150′.

With further reference to FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that in an embodiment, the connection members 252 and 282, of berm members 150 and 150′ may extend along the footing member 166 at least partially in a direction away from the second side 170 of the upright member 158. It will further be appreciated that the berm member 150, upon beginning to tip in response to the action of the force 190 thereon, may tend to raise the portion of the footing member 166 extending from the second side 170 of the upright member 158 away from the grade 104. However, upon connection with another berm member, the weight of the other berm member may act upon the portion of the footing member 166 extending from the second side 170 of the upright member 158 to act against the lifting of that portion of the footing member 166. In short, in addition to resisting sliding and separation forces between to berm members, the interaction of the first and second connection members 252 and 282 of connected berm members may resist a tipping motion of the berm members as well.

With further reference to FIG. 8, a front elevation view of first and second berm members 150 and 150′ is depicted. The first berm member 150 may be attached to the second berm member 150′ by way of interaction between a first connection member 252 and a second connection member 282 as described above. The first berm member 150 may have a first connection member 252 (e.g., a down-clip) at a first terminal portion 260 thereof and a second connection member 284 (e.g., an up-clip) at a second terminal portion 262 thereof. Similarly, the second berm member 150′ may also have a first connection member 252 (e.g., a down-clip) at a first terminal portion 260 thereof and female connection member 282 (e.g., an up-clip) at a second terminal portion 262 thereof. Accordingly, each berm member 150 and 150′ may comprise corresponding connection members at opposite ends of the berm member that are capable of connection at either terminal portion 260 or 262 to a corresponding connection member of another berm member 150 also having complimentary connection members 252 and 282. In this regard, while the second connection member 282 of the first berm member 150 is not shown connected to another berm member and the first connection member 252 of the second berm member 150′ is not shown connected to another berm member, it will be understood that either or both may be so connected to form a joint similar to the one shown between the berm member 150 and the berm member 150′.

Additionally, as can be appreciated in FIG. 8, the containment surface 156 of each berm member 150 may extend to the flange 256 of the first connection member 252. However, the containment surface 156 may not extend to the slot 286 of the second containment member 282. This allows the containment surfaces 156 of connected berm members 150 to be in relative abutting relation without experiencing interference. It will be noted that in an embodiment, the containment surface of a berm member may extend the entire length of the first and second connection members and have a relief (e.g., an offset portion of the containment surface) to avoid such interference with the connected berm member's containment surface.

Further still, as can be best appreciated in FIG. 4, a footing member 166′ adjacent to the first connection member 252 may be an angle bracket 258 rather than tubing as is used in other portions of the frame 154 (e.g., footing member 166 adjacent to the second connection member 282). This may allow the flange 256 to extend to facilitate mating engagement with the slot 286. Alternatively, a footing member 166 made from the tubing of the frame 154 may be employed and a separate bracket 258 may be provided therewith to accommodate mating engagement of the flange 256 with the slot 286.

To further facilitate connection of berm members, the berm members may also include an interlock feature 300. The interlock feature 300 may be provided on the berm member 150 adjacent to the top brace 164. In this regard, the interlock feature 300 may be spaced away from the connection members (i.e., the first connection member 252 or the second connection member 282). For example, the interlock feature 300 may be positioned adjacent to the top end portion 162 of the upright member 158, whereas the connection members 252 or 282 may be positioned adjacent to the bottom end portion 160 of the upright member 158.

In the embodiment depicted, the interlock feature 300 may include a slidable member 302 that may slide from a retracted position to an extended position (shown in FIG. 2). The slidable member 302 may have a handle 304 that extends through a gap 306 provided in the top brace 164. The handle 304 may be used to move the slidable member 302 between the retracted and extended position. The handle 304 may extend from a lateral surface 164 a of the top rail 164. In this regard, the handle 304 may not interfere with the placement of a liner over a top surface 164 b of the top rail 164 as will be discussed in greater detail below.

The berm member 150 may have a corresponding pocket 308 for accepting a slidable member 302 on an opposite end of the top brace 164. In this regard, when two berm members (e.g., first berm member 150 and second berm member 150′ as shown in FIG. 8) are to be connected, the slidable member 302 of the one of the second berm member 150′ may be slideably engaged into the pocket 308 of the other berm member 150.

The sliding member 302 may be a portion of square tubing that may nest within the tubing of the top brace 164. In this regard, the pocket 308 for receiving the sliding member 302 may be the interior of the tubing defining the top brace 164. In this regard, it will be appreciated that other cross sectional shapes of tubing (e.g., circular tubing) may also be employed having similar characteristics regarding the nested nature of sliding member 302 and pocket 308. A sliding member having a shape other than shape correspond to the top member 164 may be employed (e.g., a sliding bolt other shaped projection) that may engage a correspondingly shape pocket that is also different in shape than the tubing of the top brace 164. Additionally, while a sliding member 302 is shown and described, other interlocking features may be provided adjacent to the top end portion 162 of the upright member 158 such as hasps, clasps, clamps, fasteners, or the like.

The interlock feature 300 may provide for restricted movement between first and second berm members in a second dimension different than the first dimension. That is, the interlock feature 300 may resist relative twisting or torquing motions between the two berm members 150 and 150′. The interlock feature 300 may also assist in maintaining alignment of the top braces 164 of adjacent berm members. This may, in turn, help maintain alignment of containment surfaces 156 of connected berm members.

In addition to the berm members 150 discussed above, corner berm members 200 may be used to construct the berm apparatus 100. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5-7, the corner berm member 200 may include a first upright section 210 and a second upright section 220. The first upright section 210 may be defined between a first upright member 158 a and a second upright member 158 b. The second upright section 220 may be defined between the first upright member 158 a and a third upright member 158 c. Accordingly, the first upright section 210 may extend in a different direction than the second upright section 220. That is, the first upright section 210 may be provided at an angle b with respect to the second upright section 220. For example, the first upright section 210 may be perpendicular with respect to the second upright section 220 (i.e., angle b may be 90 degrees). However, other arrangements are contemplated wherein the first upright section 210 may be provided at a different angle (e.g., angle b may be 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 108 degrees, 120 degrees, 135 degrees, etc.) with respect to second upright section 220. In this regard, the angle b between the first upright section 210 and the second upright section may be any acute or obtuse angle. In this regard, differently shaped berm apparatuses 100 may be constructed using corner berm members 200 of different configurations.

In any regard, the first upright section 210 may have a first footing section 212 extending away from the first upright section 120. That is, the first footing section 212 may extend laterally from the first upright section 210 adjacent a bottom end portion 160 of the first and second upright members 158 a and 158 b. A second footing section 222 may be provided that extends away from the second upright section 220. For example, the second footing section 222 may extend laterally from the bottom end portion 160 of the second upright section 220. In that the first and second upright sections 210 and 220 are provided at an angle to one another, the first and second corner footing sections 212 and 222 may also extend laterally in different directions.

The corner berm member 200 may include a first corner containment surface 214 projecting from the first upright section 210. The first corner containment surface 214 may project from adjacent to the top end portion 162 of the first upright section 210 toward the grade 104. The second upright section 220 may include a second corner containment surface 224 projecting from the top end portion 162 of the second upright section 220 to the grade 104. The first corner containment surface 214 and second corner containment surface 224 may collectively define a corner containment surface 230. The first corner containment surface 214 and the second corner containment surface 224 may intersect along a line extending between the vertex between the first and second upright sections 210 and 220 and a vertex between the first and second footing sections 212 and 222.

Turning to FIG. 6, the corner berm member 200 may include first and second connection members 252 and 282 similar to those described above. In this regard, the corner berm member 200 may connect to another berm member as described above. As shown in FIG. 6, the first connection member 252 may be provided at least along a portion of the first footing section 212 and the second connection member 282 may be provided at least along a portion of the second corner footing section 222.

Furthermore, shown in FIG. 9, the corner berm member 200 may include an interlocking feature 300 as described above. In this regard, the first upright section 210 may include a sliding element 302 and the second upright section 220 may include a pocket 308 for receiving a sliding element 302.

It will be appreciated that various combinations of berm members 150 and corner berm members 200 may be employed to establish a berm apparatus 100 of the kind shown in FIG. 1 to define a containment region 102 about which the berm apparatus 100 extends. Other configurations of berm apparatuses 100 may be constructed without limitation (e.g., having different shapes or sizes than the berm apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1). For example, other sizes of rectangular berm apparatuses may be constructed. Also, with particular corner berm members, other polygonal berm apparatus shapes may be constructed (e.g., triangular berm apparatuses, pentagonal berm apparatus, hexagonal berm apparatus, octagonal berm apparatus, or irregular polygons, etc.).

In any regard, the berm apparatus 100 may be used in the context of spill containment or secondary containment. For example, the berm apparatus 100 may be provided about a container such that in the event of failure of the tank, the release of the substance may be reduced by the berm apparatus 100. Thus, a container may generally reside within the containment region 102. The size of the berm apparatus 100 may at least partially depend on the size of the container for which the berm apparatus 100 is providing secondary containment. Alternatively or additionally, the berm apparatus 100 may be used to define an above-grade retention pond for holding, for example, process fluid. In this regard, a fluid may be retained in the containment region 102. Again, the size of the berm apparatus 100 may be dependent upon the amount of fluid to be retained in the containment region 102. In either instance, the features described above regarding the configuration of the berm members 150, 200 and the containment structures 156, 230 provided therewith may add to the structural integrity of the berm apparatus 100 intact, even in the event of a large force acting on the berm apparatus 100 (e.g., as may occur in the event of a catastrophic failure of a container within the containment region 102).

Additionally, the berm apparatus 100 may be efficiently deployed and constructed. For example, during deployment, various sizes and kinds of berm members (e.g., berm members 150 of various lengths and corner berm members 200 of various configurations) may be provided to an area about which a berm apparatus 100 is desired to define a containment region 102. The area on which the berm apparatus 100 is to be constructed may be graded to define the grade 104. The various berm members may be set in place such that the complimentary first and second connection members 252 and 282 for each adjacent pair of berm members are engaged. In turn, the interlocking features 300 of adjacent berm members may be engaged as well to resist relative movement between the berm members and/or to assist in maintaining alignment of the berm members. The berm apparatus 100 may also be deconstructed (e.g., at the completion of a job) by disengaging the interlock features 300 and connection members 252 and 282. In this regard, the berm members 150, 200 may be transported to another job site, where the deployment of the berm members 150, 200 is repeated.

The berm apparatus 100 may be used in conjunction with a liner or other membrane disposed relative to the berm apparatus 100 in the containment region 102. For example, a liner may be provided that extends along the containment surfaces 156, 214, and 224 of the berm apparatus 100 as well as any exposed grade 104 within the containment region 102 to define a containment volume. The liner may be chosen with respect to the particular context of use of the berm apparatus 100 such that the material from which the liner is manufactured may limit the permeability of the substance through the liner. It will be appreciated that because the containment surfaces 156, 230 of the berm members 150, 200 are in an inclined orientation, the liner may lay on the containment surfaces 156, 230 without the assistance of clips or other fasteners to maintain the liner in place. That is, the weight of the liner itself may contribute to the positioning of liner with respect to the berm members 150, 200 described herein.

In another embodiment, a liner may be secured to the berm apparatus 100. In this regard, a clip 400 may be provided as shown in FIG. 9. The clip 400 may engage a portion of a berm member 150 to secure a liner to the berm member 150. The clip 400 may include a plurality of clip body portions 406-414. For example, a first side body portion 408 and a second side body portion 412 may extend from a top body portion 410. A first flange 406 may extend from the first side body portion 408. A second flange 414 may extend from the second side body portion 412. The second flange 414 may correspond to the angle of the containment surface 156 as will be described in greater detail below

The clip 400 may also include a clamping flange 402 with a hole 404 provided therein. The clamping flange 402 may be operable to coordinate with a clamping plate 450 (shown in FIG. 10) to secure the clip 400 to a berm member 150. The clamping plate 450 may include a hole 452 that corresponds with the hole 404 of the clamping flange 402 of the clip 400.

Accordingly, the clip 400 may be clampingly engaged with a berm member 150 as shown in cross section in FIG. 11. In this regard, the first side body portion 408, top body portion 410, and second side body portion 412 may be sized to accommodate the top rail 164 between the first and second side body portions 408 and 412. Furthermore, a liner 500 may be located between the top rail 164 and the clip 400. In various embodiments, the liner 500 may extend between the top rail 164 and the second flange 414, second body portion 412, top body portion 410, and/or first body portion 408.

In this regard, the liner 500 may be secureable with respect to the berm member 150 by way of a clamping force imparted by the clamping plate 450 and clip 400. For example, as shown, the clamping flange 402 may be positioned on the first side body portion 408 such that the clamping plate 450 may be disposed below the top rail 164. The hole 452 of the clamping plate 450 may be aligned with the hole 404 on the clamping flange 402. In one embodiment, a fastener 454 may be disposed through the hole 404 and hole 452. Upon securing of the fastener (e.g., hole 404 and/or hole 452 may be threaded), the clamping plate 450 may be moved relative to the clip 400 to clampingly engage the clip 400 with respect to the top rail 164. As the liner 500 may be positioned between the clip 400 and the top rail 164, the liner 500 may also be clampingly secured between the clip 400 and the top rail 164.

While a fastener 454 is shown as imparting the clamping force, other known mechanism of imparting a clamping force may be used without limitation. Furthermore, rather than threaded holes 404 and/or 452, the fastener 454 may be used in conjunction with a nut (not shown) such that the holes 404 and/or 452 are through holes. It will further be appreciated that the second flange 414 may be provided at a similar angle at which the containment surface 156 extends from the top rail 164. In this regard, the second flange 414 may also impart a clamping force onto the containment surface 156 such that the liner 500 may be secured therebetween.

The berm apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be used in various applications. For example, the berm apparatus 100 may be used as a primary containment structure such as a retention pond for holding a substance (e.g., a liquid) within the containment region 102. For example, retention ponds of this kind are often used during hydraulic fracture operations to store process fluid used prior to, during, and after the hydraulic fracturing process. Furthermore, the berm apparatus 100 may be disposed about primary containment structure and used to limit the release of a substance (e.g., in event of a failure of the primary containment structure). That is, should the primary containment structure fail, the berm apparatus 100 may limit the substance from being introduced into the environment.

Accordingly, a method 500 of deployment and construction may be realized. The method 500 is generally shown in the flow chart of FIG. 12. The method 500 may include transporting 510 a plurality of berm members to a site. The method 500 may also include leveling 520 the site where the berm members are to be arranged. The method 500 may also include positioning 530 berm members in place. The positioning 530 may include connecting berm members using connection members and/or interlock members as described above. The positioning 530 may not include completely positioning all berm members of the final berm apparatus. For example, at least one berm member may be left out of place to facilitate access to the containment region.

The method 500 may also include deploying a liner into the containment region. The method 500 may include securing 550 the liner to the berm members that are in position. The method 500 may further include positioning 560 tank mats in the containment region. The method 500 may include disposing 570 tanks within the containment region on the mats that are positioned therein. The method 500 may also include completing 580 the berm apparatus by positioning and/or connecting the remaining berm members to complete the berm apparatus such that the containment region may be surrounded by the berm apparatus. The method 500 may also include securing 590 the liner to the berm members that were positioned in the competing step 580. Furthermore, a method may be provided to deconstruct the berm apparatus that is generally the opposite of the method 500.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain known modes of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable, above-grade berm apparatus, comprising: a first berm member positionable on a grade, the first berm member having: an upright member comprising a bottom end portion and a top end portion and a first side and a second side, wherein the bottom end portion is nearer the grade than the top end portion and the first side is on an opposite side of the upright member as the second side; a footing member fixedly connected to and extending laterally from the first side of the upright member adjacent to the bottom end portion; and a containment member fixedly connected to and projecting laterally from the second side of the upright member adjacent the top end portion, and the containment member projecting from adjacent to the top end portion to the grade.
 2. A berm apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a bracing member, wherein the bracing member is secured to at least a portion of two of the upright member, the footing member, or the containment member.
 3. A berm apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal portion comprises a first connection member and the second terminal portion comprises a second connection member.
 4. A berm apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first berm member comprises a first interlock feature offset from the first connection member and the second connection member along the upright member.
 5. A berm apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first interlock feature comprises a slidable member comprising a handle, wherein the handle extends from a lateral portion of a top rail of the berm member.
 6. A berm apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first connection member extends for a distance less than the extent of the second connection member.
 7. A berm apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first connection member extends for a distance from between about 75% to about 90% of the extent of the second connection member.
 8. A berm apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first berm member extends a distance in a first dimension between a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion.
 9. A berm apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the containment member comprises a containment surface extending in the first dimension.
 10. A berm apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the containment surface extends in the first dimension with respect to substantially all of the first connection member.
 11. A berm apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second connection member extends in the first dimension beyond the containment surface.
 12. A berm apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the containment surface is rigid.
 13. A berm apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first connection member comprises one of a male member or a female member and the second connection member comprises the other of the male member or the female member.
 14. A berm apparatus according to claim 13, wherein one of the male member and the female member comprises an up-clip and the other of the male member and the female member comprises a down-clip.
 15. A berm apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: a second berm member comprising a third connection member corresponding to one of the first connection member or the second connection member, wherein the third connection member is engageable with the corresponding one of the first connection member or the second connection member.
 16. A berm apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the engagement of the third connection member and the corresponding one of the first connection member or the second connection member limits relative movement between the first berm member and the second berm member in the first dimension.
 17. A berm apparatus according to claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the corresponding one of the first connection member or the second connection member extends along at least a portion of the footing member.
 18. A berm apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the second berm member comprises a corresponding second interlock feature, the first interlock feature and the second interlock feature being engageable to limit relative movement of the first berm member and the second berm member in a second dimension.
 19. A berm apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the second interlock feature comprises a pocket for receiving the slidable member.
 20. A berm apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the second berm member comprises one of another berm member having a cross sectional configuration of the first berm member or a corner berm member.
 21. A berm apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the corner berm member is positionable with respect to the grade; the corner berm member having: a first upright member fixedly connected to a second upright member to define a first upright section extending therebetween, the first upright section having a first bottom end portion and a first top end portion; a third upright member fixedly connected to the first upright member to define a second upright section extending therebetween, the second upright section having a second bottom end portion and a second top end portion; wherein the first upright section and the second upright section extend in different directions; a first corner footing member fixedly connected to and extending laterally from the first upright section adjacent to the first bottom end portion; a second corner footing member fixedly connected to and extending laterally from the second upright section adjacent to the second bottom end portion, wherein the first corner footing member and the second corner footing member extend in different directions. a first corner containment member fixedly connected to and projecting laterally from the first upright section adjacent the first top end portion, the first corner containment member projecting from adjacent the first top end portion to the grade; and a second corner containment member fixedly connected to and projecting laterally from the second upright section adjacent the second top end portion, the second corner containment member projecting from adjacent the second tope end portion to the grade; wherein the first corner containment member projects laterally away from the first upright section a different direction than the second corner containment member projects laterally away from the second upright section.
 22. A berm apparatus according to claim 21, wherein at least a portion of the third connection member is disposed along at least a portion of one of the first corner footing member and the second corner footing member, and wherein at least a fourth connection member is disposed along at least a portion of the other of the first corner footing member and the second corner footing member, the fourth connection member being comprises a complimentary configuration to the third connection member with respect to a male member or a female member.
 23. A berm apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising: a plurality of berm members having a cross sectional configuration of the first berm member; and a plurality of corner berm members; wherein the plurality of first berm members and the plurality of corner berm members are connected to define a containment region about which the berm apparatus extends.
 24. A berm apparatus according to claim 23, wherein all the footing members and all the corner footing members of the berm members extend away from the containment region.
 25. A berm apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the footing members and corner footing members collectively extend about the entire perimeter of the containment region.
 26. A method for deploying a berm apparatus comprising a plurality of berm members, comprising: positioning a first berm member on a grade at a site; disposing a second berm member relative to the first berm member, wherein a first connection member of the first berm member engages a second connection member of the second berm member to restrain relative movement between the first berm member and the second berm member in a first dimension; aligning, in response to the disposing, a first interlock feature of the first berm member with respect to a second interlock feature of the second berm member, wherein the first interlock feature and the second interlock feature are offset from the first connection member and the second connection member; engaging the first interlock feature and the second interlock feature to restrain relative movement relative to the first berm member and the second berm member in a second dimension different than the first dimension.
 27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the first connection member comprises a male connection member coordinately received by a female connection member comprising the second connection member.
 28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the first connection member comprises a flange member and the second connection member comprises a slot adapted to receive the flange member.
 29. A method according to claim 26, wherein the engaging comprises slideably engaging the first interlock feature with the second interlock feature.
 30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the first interlock feature comprises a slidable member and the second interlock feature comprises a pocket for acceptably receiving the slidable member in response to the sliding.
 31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the disposing comprises establishing a substantially continuous containment surface extending substantially an entire length of the first berm member and the second berm member.
 32. A method according to claim 26, further comprising: receiving a force acting on a containment surface of the first berm member; and transferring at least a portion of the force to the second berm member via the engagement of the first and second connection member and the engagement of the first and second interlock feature.
 33. A method according to claim 26, wherein the positioning and disposing at least partially defines a containment region, and wherein the method further comprises: deploying a liner into the containment region.
 34. A method according to claim 33, further comprising: securing the liner to at least one of the first berm member or the second berm member.
 35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the securing comprises clamping the liner to at least one of the first berm member or the second berm member. 